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The death of an animal family member is something that affects most of us at some point during our lives. And although it’s something we become more familiar with as we age, it doesn’t get any easier. For older adults, losing a pet can be particularly difficult. That’s because many seniors say they’re closer to their pets than any other person. Understanding that deep connection can help make the process of grieving the loss of a pet a little bit easier to navigate.
In many cases, by the time a person reaches their golden years, the relationships they’ve forged over the years have changed. Whether it’s the fact that their children have grown and started lives of their own or a spouse has passed away, seniors often seek to fill that void in their lives by adopting a pet.
For many older adults, having a pet makes them feel productive and needed, enables them to engage in a more active lifestyle and experience companionship that helps ward off loneliness. This thereby creates a much stronger and more meaningful bond, which can make grieving the loss of a pet a much more deeply emotional and downright devastating experience.
If you are an older adult who has recently said goodbye to your animal companion, there are a number of things you can do to get through this difficult and emotional time.
Seeing a loved one suffer through the grief of losing a pet can be incredibly difficult. If you know of a senior who recently lost his or her animal companion, here are a few ways you can help.
Losing a pet can be difficult for anyone, but for seniors, grieving the loss of a pet can be downright overwhelming. Knowing how to cope or help a grieving friend or family member can make navigating this challenging journey a little bit easier.